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Chevrolet Malibu - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu ranks 4 out of 24 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 71 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Malibu, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Chevy Malibu has enjoyed a ranking near the top of the midsize car class since a 2008 redesign. With a distinctive, two-tone cabin more stylish than the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, a balanced ride and excellent fuel economy, the Malibu is one of the best family cars available.

When the Malibu was redesigned for 2008, the automotive press heaped awards on the car.  It was one of Car and Driver's 10Best, North American Car of the Year at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, Kiplinger magazine's "Best in Class," and one of Automobile Magazine's 2008 Automobile All-Stars. 

The 2010 model has changed little from that wildly successful car.  The 2.4L four-cylinder engine offered on base models can now use E85 as well as regular gasoline.  A hybrid edition has been discontinued.

Once an afterthought for import shoppers, the Malibu should now be a consideration for Accord and Camry shoppers.  It's not the only domestic midsize car buyers should consider, either -- an improved Ford Fusion is now competition for the top of the class as well.

The 2010 Malibu is available in four trim levels, with a choice of two engines and three transmissions.

Buyers interested in fuel economy should note that they don't have to make do with a stripped-down car to get the most efficient model.  Unlike many rivals, Chevy builds its most well-appointed LTZ trim level with its most fuel-efficient powertrain -- a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission.

Be sure to check for current Chevy deals that may be available on a new Malibu. 

• "Chevy has taken Malibu from the realm of rental fleet darling to a must-see Best Buy in this highly competitive segment. This midsize sedan stands out for its refined powertrains, smart interior design, and value pricing. We especially like the smooth, quiet 4-cylinder engine and frugal Hybrid. Considering a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry? Be sure to add Malibu to your test-drive list." -- Consumer Guide
• "In sports and the entertainment industry, there is a phenomenon known as the sophomore jinx. It's that inexplicable occurrence when an athlete who was a standout his rookie year bombs the next season, or when a movie's sequel doesn't come close to the excellence of the original. Thankfully, the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu isn't another Matrix Reloaded. The downsides to the Malibu are minor and few." -- Edmunds
• "The Malibu is more adept than ever at cruising America's highways and byways, ...With a quiet and lush interior, and newfound levels of refinement and style, the Malibu is a legitimate contender for best-in-class bragging rights.." - Motor Trend
• "Sleek sheetmetal, a decent interior, and compelling dynamics give the Malibu plenty of ammunition with which to battle the entrenched segment leaders." -- Car and Driver
• "It's a first-class, affordable, four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive, mid-size family sedan now equipped with a transmission worthy of the name. This is major. This is a breakthrough. This is GM behaving in a most un-GM-like manner." - Washington Post
• "The Chevy Malibu stands up well when held against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord gold standards. Choosing among them largely comes down to nitpicking, splitting hairs and personal preference." - New Car Test Drive
• "Make no mistake, there are no excuses. This is the car the folks at Chevy should have built long ago, but they get serious props for making it happen today." -- AutoWeek
• "The 2009 Malibu looks wonderful, is solidly built and carefully crafted inside and out, offers good fuel economy, drives wonderfully and is priced to sell in serious volumes." -- Kelley Blue Book

Malibu Performance - 7.9 (Good)

The 2010 Chevy Malibu offers driving dynamics competitive with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It is not the sportiest midsize car, but few reviewers have complaints about its power or handling. Its supple suspension makes it an excellent commute car. Read More

Malibu Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)

The exterior of the 2010 Chevy Malibu has won praise from the automotive press.  AutoWeek says, "This is a monstrous improvement over the old Malibu and is more than competitive with the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry."  The quality of the sheetmetal is impressive, with tight panel gaps that more than one reviewer takes time to mention.  Read More

Malibu Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)

Reviewers like the passenger cabin of the 2010 Chevy Malibu.  It features a sharp-looking two-tone, dual-cockpit design that has personality the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord cabins seem to lack.  The interior materials are impressive as well. Road and Track speaks for many when it says, "Gone is the hard plastic rental-car look."  The rear seats, however, are not as comfortable as what some rivals offer. Read More

Malibu Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Chevy Malibu earns five stars - the highest possible score -- in every government crash test.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not crash-tested the 2010 model, but gave similarly high scores to the mechanically-identical 2009 edition.  Read More

Malibu Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Chevy provides Malibu buyers a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty, and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Read More